Why B2B Ordering Platforms Are Transforming Traditional Industries
In industries built on long-standing relationships, phone calls, and paper trails, the idea of digital ordering may seem like a modern luxury. But for wholesalers, builders' merchants, breweries, and foodservice companies, B2B ordering platforms are quickly becoming essential tools — not just for convenience, but for survival.
The Traditional Challenge
Many B2B businesses still rely on outdated processes:
- Orders taken over the phone or WhatsApp
- Manual entry into spreadsheets or ERP systems
- Paper invoices and delivery notes
- Limited visibility for the buyer into product availability or pricing
These methods introduce errors, slow down fulfilment, and make scaling difficult — especially as customers now expect the same speed and convenience they get when shopping online in their personal lives.
Where B2B Ordering Platforms Fit In
A B2B ordering platform enables suppliers to offer a branded, self-serve portal or app where customers can:
- Browse live product availability
- Place orders 24/7
- View their order history and invoices
- Get personalised pricing
- Receive real-time updates on deliveries
This isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s a clear path to growth, efficiency, and customer loyalty.
Examples by Industry
🔹 Wholesalers
Example: JJ Foodservice uses a B2B ordering system that supports thousands of customers with real-time stock, account pricing, and delivery scheduling.
🔹 Builders’ Merchants
Example: MKM Building Supplies has embraced digital tools, allowing trade customers to place orders online and manage their accounts efficiently.
🔹 Breweries
Example: Beavertown Brewery offers an online portal where bars and retailers can reorder quickly and see what’s in stock — crucial for fast-moving hospitality demand.
🔹 Foodservice Companies
Example: Bidfood UK has a robust online ordering system, letting chefs and caterers order ingredients at short notice, access recipes, and track past orders.
The ROI of Going Digital
Offering online ordering isn’t just about convenience — it has measurable benefits:
- 📈 23% increase in average order value when customers order online vs phone/email (B2BecNews)
- ⏱️ 30–50% reduction in order processing time (Accenture)
- 🔁 Repeat order rates rise by 20% with a well-designed customer portal (McKinsey)
- 🙌 80% of B2B buyers expect to make at least half of their purchases online (Forrester)
Final Thoughts
In traditional industries, trust and relationships still matter — but the way those relationships are supported is changing. B2B ordering platforms allow businesses to serve their customers better, reduce operational headaches, and stay competitive in a fast-moving digital world.
Whether you’re a wholesaler, a merchant, a brewery, or a foodservice supplier, the question isn’t if you need to go digital — it’s how soon can you start.
